Getting older and dealing with a chronic disease isn’t easy. Understandably, most people prefer to live as independently and self-sufficiently as they can at home, for as long as possible. The trouble is, as we age, our ability to care for ourselves may not be as dependable as it once was. We may not be able to prepare regular meals or eat as nutritiously as we should. We might neglect to exercise, as our doctor has recommended. We might forget to take our diabetes medication, test our blood sugar, or administer insulin injections on schedule. Or we might let laundry pile up or neglect to pay bills on time.

When this time comes, home health care can provide that much-needed helping hand. Professional caregivers can assist with nearly every aspect of your life, allowing you or a loved one to remain in a safe, comfortable, familiar environment, while having your personal needs fulfilled. To that end, you might consider getting help with the following:

• Personal care including bathing, dressing, and taking care of other elements of basic hygiene (including caring for your feet and skin, which are especially susceptible to infections in diabetics)
• Ambulatory service, such as transportation and an escort to and from various doctors’ appointments, that be necessary in your diabetes care
• Medication management to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions or side effects and to ensure that prescribed diabetes drugs, including insulin, are being taken properly
• Money management, such as paying bills, updating bank records, and the like
• Assistance with accessing financial or insurance entitlements and other benefits
• Scheduling of doctors’ appointments and other necessary meetings
• Arrangements for getting medical equipment and diabetes-related supplies for home use
• Companionship or respite care, which may allow loved ones a needed break